Traffic Controls Profiles
Paul Thomson
- Joined Siemens:
- 2002
- Job Title:
- Trainee Traffic Signal Engineer
- What’s your background?
- I started with the company in July 2002 as a trainee traffic signal engineer. I spent my first month with Siemens Traffic Controls at the headquarters in Poole. This induction period gave me basic training, an introduction to the Company and also to the 'working world'.
- What kind of training and support have you received?
- When I started I was introduced to my mentor who was to ensure my period as a trainee was as successful as possible. Over the three years this turned out to be some of the best 'on the job' and also educational training available.
- I have progressed through the roles of Maintenance Engineer then on to Technical Support Engineer, and recently I have become a Traffic Design Engineer which has opened up a completely different side of the industry to me. The company has given me full support in this move and offered all required training.
- What has been your best bit/highlight so far?
- There were various highlights in my three years as a trainee – meeting new people, support with college courses, excellent job prospects and great benefits are just a few. The most memorable moment within the three years has to have been the day I was no longer classed as a trainee! Although the trainee period was everything I expected, the feeling of responsibility and trust of the company and people in the working environment was amazing.
- What advice can you give someone looking to apply for an apprenticeship?
- The experiences I had and the new friends I made through my trainee period have been excellent and I would recommend it to anyone!
